MSU-Bozeman vs UIdaho

Montana State University and University of Idaho, both esteemed public institutions in the heart of the Northern Rockies, offer prospective students a wealth of opportunities for academic exploration and personal growth. While sharing a commitment to excellence in teaching and research, these universities possess distinct characteristics that cater to diverse student aspirations. With Montana State boasting a higher acceptance rate and a larger student body, it provides a more inclusive and vibrant campus environment. On the other hand, University of Idaho's smaller size fosters a close-knit community, allowing for personalized attention from faculty and staff. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details regarding acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, graduation rates, and more, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your unique academic goals and preferences.

	Montana State University	University of Idaho
Overview
Location	Bozeman, Montana	Moscow, Idaho
Campus setting	Town: Remote	Town: Distant
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	76.0%	75.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	73.0%	81.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $38 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $60
SAT range	1070 - 1300	990 - 1220
ACT range	20 - 27	20 - 28
Students submitting SAT score	26.0%	65.0%
Students submitting ACT score	42.0%	14.0%
Total number of applicants	26,741	9,814
Total number of admissions given out	19,522	7,987
Admitted students who chose to enroll	3,874	1,656
Yield rate	19.8%	20.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $23,286 Out of state: $44,022	In state: $22,254 Out of state: $41,490
Average net price	$17,821	$15,435
Tuition	In state: $5,654 Out of state: $26,086	In state: $6,182 Out of state: $25,418
Room & board	$10,400	$9,610
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	92.0% Average amount $6,287	97.0% Average amount $12,208
Students receiving federal student loan	35.0% Average amount $5,191	42.0% Average amount $4,946
Students taking out private loans	5.0% Average amount $17,984	3.0% Average amount $12,339

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	14,648 Men 53.5% Women 46.5%	8,631 Men 47.7% Women 52.3%
Graduate students	2,140 Men 42.0% Women 58.0%	2,672 Men 49.6% Women 50.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	66.1%	33.2%
International students	2.3%	4.7%
Campus local/setting	Town: Remote	Town: Distant
Dormitory capacity	4,603	2,310
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Montana Washington Colorado California Oregon	Idaho Washington California Oregon Nevada

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Education Business Health Professions Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Engineering Education Natural Resources and Conservation Business Architecture
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome
Graduation rate	54.5%	59.2%
Dropout rate	42.1%	17.6%
Transferred out	N/A	21.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,934 Year 2: $72,325 Year 3: $85,881 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,974 Year 2: $65,387 Year 3: $73,528 Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,082 Year 2: $63,997 Year 3: $73,041 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,740 Year 2: $61,090 Year 3: $73,003 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $55,299 Year 2: $57,860 Year 3: $64,492 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,767 Year 2: $59,411 Year 3: $59,227 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,660 Year 2: $56,234 Year 3: $58,924 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $60,052 Year 2: $53,671 Year 3: $57,998 Environmental Design (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $20,010 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $55,431 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,200 Year 2: $41,565 Year 3: $53,365	Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,891 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $82,601 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,060 Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $79,227 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,101 Year 2: $68,499 Year 3: $73,393 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,687 Year 2: $59,982 Year 3: $72,836 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,491 Year 2: $50,439 Year 3: $66,706 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,504 Year 2: $57,860 Year 3: $66,017 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $61,842 Year 2: $59,640 Year 3: $64,996 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $52,539 Year 2: $57,860 Year 3: $62,271 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $52,424 Year 2: $53,131 Year 3: $60,120 Applied Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $44,933 Year 3: $56,902

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences in location and campus environment between Montana State University (MSU) and the University of Idaho (UI)?

MSU is located in Bozeman, Montana, a rapidly growing city known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and vibrant downtown. The campus has a classic mountain college feel, with the Bridger Mountains as a backdrop. UI is situated in Moscow, Idaho, a smaller, more traditional college town. The UI campus is known for its historic architecture and a close-knit community feel. Both offer access to outdoor activities, but the surrounding environment and city size differ significantly.
How do the academic programs compare at MSU and UI?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. MSU is particularly strong in engineering, agriculture, and natural sciences, benefiting from its land-grant status. UI also excels in engineering, agriculture, and natural resources, and has a strong program in law. The specific program strengths and faculty expertise may vary, so it's important to research the departments relevant to your field of study at each university.
What is the cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, at MSU and UI?

Tuition and fees vary depending on residency status and the specific program of study. Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates, especially for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition is higher. It's recommended to check the official websites of MSU and UI for the most up-to-date and detailed cost information, including potential scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
What are the student life and extracurricular activities like at MSU and UI?

Both universities offer a robust student life experience. MSU has a large student body and a wide variety of clubs, organizations, and Division I athletics, including football and basketball. UI also has a strong student life, with a focus on community and a range of clubs, organizations, and Division I athletics. The specific activities and campus culture may differ, so consider visiting the campuses or connecting with current students to get a feel for the environment.
How do the admission requirements differ between MSU and UI?

Admission requirements are similar at both universities, typically including high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT - though test-optional policies are common), and potentially letters of recommendation and essays. Both universities consider a holistic review of applications. Specific requirements, such as minimum GPA or test score thresholds, may vary, so it's crucial to review the admission guidelines on each university's website.
What are the career services and job placement rates like at MSU and UI?

Both MSU and UI provide career services to assist students with career exploration, resume writing, interview preparation, and job placement. They host career fairs and connect students with potential employers. Job placement rates vary by program and industry, but both universities have strong networks and alumni connections to support graduates in their job searches. Researching the specific career services offered by each university is recommended.
How does the research environment compare at MSU and UI?

Both universities are research institutions, with opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research projects. MSU has a strong research focus, particularly in areas related to its land-grant mission, such as agriculture, engineering, and natural resources. UI also has a significant research presence, with strengths in areas like engineering, natural resources, and law. The specific research opportunities and funding available may vary by department and program.
What are the housing options like at MSU and UI?

Both universities offer on-campus housing options, including residence halls and apartments. The availability and types of housing may vary, so it's important to apply early. Both universities also have off-campus housing options available in the surrounding communities. Consider your preferences for living arrangements, such as proximity to campus, cost, and amenities, when making your decision.
How do the athletic programs compare at MSU and UI?

Both universities have competitive athletic programs. MSU competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) for football and the Big Sky Conference for most other sports. UI competes in the NCAA Division I for most sports, including the Big Sky Conference. Both universities have passionate fan bases and offer a variety of sports to watch and participate in.
Which university is a better fit for me?

The best university for you depends on your individual preferences and goals. Consider factors such as your desired academic program, preferred campus environment, location, cost, and extracurricular interests. Research the specific programs and departments that interest you at each university, and consider visiting the campuses or connecting with current students to get a better feel for the culture and environment. Ultimately, the best fit is the university where you feel most comfortable and where you believe you can thrive academically and personally.

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